Each year, we honor the life and work of Annie Walker Armstrong (1850-1938) when we give to the annual offering for home missions named after her.  As a tireless servant of God and a contagious advocate and supporter of mission efforts throughout the world, Annie Armstrong led women to unite in mission endeavors that ultimately led to the formation of Woman’s Missionary Union, for which she served as the first corresponding secretary.

Annie believed in Christ with all her heart, but it was her hands that expressed that belief in tangible ways.  She spent a great amount of time typing and handwriting letters in support of missions.  Many of these letters were quite lengthy and all were filled with conviction that more could and should be done in our mission efforts.  In 1893 alone, she wrote almost 18,000 letters!  Annie also never hesitated to use her hands to reach out to hug a child or distribute food and clothing and the Word of God to those in need.  Her hands held her own Bible as she studied to know how best to share God’s love with others.  And, most important, Annie was a woman of prayer, folding her hands in prayer to intercede for the missionaries and for those they were helping discover Christ.

Annie rallied churches to give more, pray more, and do more for reaching people for Christ.  As we continue to unite to make her vision a reality in North America today, we can be confident that her legacy will also be ours.

Why Give to Annie Armstrong?  Because three of four people in North America are lost.  One hundred percent of dollars given to the AAEO go to support over 5,300 missionaries and their ministries in the United States and Canada.  Though their stories and methods are different, they share the common desire to change the world.  Whether it is starting a new church, meeting the needs of the homeless, leading worship at a ski resort, or leading Back Yard Bible clubs, missionaries depend on the faithful prayers and generosity of Southern Baptists.  Please pray for our missionaries and give generously to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.  Please use the envelopes in the pews and mark your checks Annie Armstrong.